A longtime volunteer firefighter was injured Sunday while battling an arson fire in northern Vermillion County, authorities said.
Cayuga firefighter Rick Lewis was knocked off a ladder at Rooster and Red Geraniums in Perrysville during an early morning blaze at the West Main Street antique shop.
Lewis fell 12 to 14 feet after a fire hose surged from a change in water pressure, said Lt. George Powell of the Perrysville Volunteer Fire Department. Cayuga firefighters provided assistance at the fire, which was reported at 3:44 a.m.
A spokeswoman for the State Fire Marshal’s office said Tuesday that an investigation has determined the fire was intentionally set. Powell, who said he could not comment on the ongoing investigation, said the building and contents of the antique shop were damaged heavily.
Lewis was listed in good condition Tuesday in Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, a hospital spokesman said. Fire officials said he was being treated for a compound fracture to a vertebra in his spine.
One other firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation at the fire scene, Powell said.
The Fire Marshal’s office is offering a monetary reward for information that leads to an arrest in the case, a spokeswoman confirmed.
Tips can be phoned to the Indiana arson hotline at 1-800-382-4628.
Republished with permission of The Tribune Star.
